Editorial on School Reform Begs the Question on Student Achievement

The editorial under discussion, titled "Real School Reform Needed" rehashes the arguments regarding judicial oversight of the 24-year-old school equity lawsuit. That oversight is now gone, while inadequate schools remain.

According to the Editors, "Many students still attend failing schools in crumbling buildings after overlong bus commutes in dangerously aging vehicles." While these observations are true, where are the statistics that show that those buildings and buses depress student achievement? 

Hint:  they don't exist.

More problematic is the next complaint: "Too many rural districts still struggle to recruit qualified teachers, raise graduation rates and prepare students for college or a career." Now, the legislature can address recruiting problems with dedicated funding; however, improved graduation rates and career preparation simply will not respond to dollars alone. Rural parents and students need to recognize the importance of achievement. Until they do, no amount of state support will help.

Finally, the most recalcitrant of all problems: "Even in comparatively wealthy districts, such as Charleston, some rural and urban schools lag far behind their suburban counterparts."

And why do they "lag far behind," dear Editors?

Long bus rides? No

Dilapidated buildings? No

Because their parents lag behind.

Have a fix for that, do you?